ECONOGAL

At first glance, The Gardeners’ Club is a sandwich generation tale. Veteran British author Marnie Riches utilizes the character Gillian Swanley to demonstrate personal growth is not restricted to the young. Gill is a widowed, working mom of a teenage son trapped in a corporate job without respect. She also is responsible for her aging mother. At the urging of her therapist, she joins a local gardening club.

Gill hesitantly joins a local gardeners’ club. The seven members range in age from early twenties to past retirement. Well past. The mix of characters is delightful. Before long they are wrapped up in the murder of a rival gardening club member. The amateur sleuths’ bond during their search for answers.

Mid-life crisis abounds in the story. Multiple characters are trapped in careers they dislike. The retirees are searching for ways to stay meaningful. And the youngsters, they, are uncertain in which direction to strike out. All are searching for answers.

Winning a coveted gardening competition depends on solving the murders. And the competition prize may be the answer for all the members of the gardeners’ club.

As the key character, Gill’s growth is most notable. Particularly in how she relates to those around her. The transition from an individual seeking help to make daily decisions to one that knows what she wants is uplifting. Furthermore, after many years of identifying primarily as a widow she begins living life again.

Perhaps because I am such an avid gardener myself, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. However, the main thrust of the book concerns people more than plants. Marnie Riches provides a believable plot and wonderful characters. Each reminds you of someone you know, or want to know.

This is just released in 2026 so look for it at your local bookstore or request your librarian to order a copy. I think you will like the story and love the characters.